Sunday, February 07, 2010
Road to Sangam
Road to Sangam
So many films have been made in recent times, about the Hindu-Muslim tensions and the problem of terrorism. Amit Rai’s debut film Road to Sangam is a gentle take on the subject. It says what it has to say, but does it so in an inoffensive, almost timid manner, so no offence can be taken… nor was any intended.
What strikes you as most refreshing about the film is its recreation of small town (Allahabad) life, and a tehzeeb that may be fast disappearing, where people speak even to their enemies with utmost politeness and their sense of hospitality never falters.
The take-off point for the film is that one of the pots carrying Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes was forgotten in an Orissa locker. Now it is to be brought to Allahabad, and immersed in the Sangam (the confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati). It is decided that the same vehicle that had been used in 1948 will carry the ashes, and Muslim mechanic Hasmatullah (Paresh Rawal) is given the task of repairing the ancient Ford engine.
At the same time, a bomb blast is followed by some arrests, and triggers off Muslim protests. A Muslim leader Kasuri (Om Puri) and his friend a Maulana (Pawan Malhotra) call for a strike and all Muslim establishments are to be shut down. Realising the enormity of his task and worried about the fast approaching deadline, Hashmatullah requests to be exempted from the strike, and antagonizes the whole community. He wins over his people gradually, and also says, quite boldly that Muslims should stop blaming others all the time and look within.
The film suffers from a very slow pace and repetitiveness, which calls for reserve of patience from the viewer. There is a glaring lack of dramatic tension where it is required (like the scene when the keys of his workshops are returned, or when Kasuri has a change of heart), but its honesty and persuasiveness are compelling too. Tushar Gandhi (great grandson of the Mahatma) makes an appearance as himself. In spite of all its faults, the last scene, with crowds and ordinary faces at windows and terraces, is immensely moving. It may not be a ‘timepass’ film, but Road to Sangam’s message is important enough to be supported.
So many films have been made in recent times, about the Hindu-Muslim tensions and the problem of terrorism. Amit Rai’s debut film Road to Sangam is a gentle take on the subject. It says what it has to say, but does it so in an inoffensive, almost timid manner, so no offence can be taken… nor was any intended.
What strikes you as most refreshing about the film is its recreation of small town (Allahabad) life, and a tehzeeb that may be fast disappearing, where people speak even to their enemies with utmost politeness and their sense of hospitality never falters.
The take-off point for the film is that one of the pots carrying Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes was forgotten in an Orissa locker. Now it is to be brought to Allahabad, and immersed in the Sangam (the confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati). It is decided that the same vehicle that had been used in 1948 will carry the ashes, and Muslim mechanic Hasmatullah (Paresh Rawal) is given the task of repairing the ancient Ford engine.
At the same time, a bomb blast is followed by some arrests, and triggers off Muslim protests. A Muslim leader Kasuri (Om Puri) and his friend a Maulana (Pawan Malhotra) call for a strike and all Muslim establishments are to be shut down. Realising the enormity of his task and worried about the fast approaching deadline, Hashmatullah requests to be exempted from the strike, and antagonizes the whole community. He wins over his people gradually, and also says, quite boldly that Muslims should stop blaming others all the time and look within.
The film suffers from a very slow pace and repetitiveness, which calls for reserve of patience from the viewer. There is a glaring lack of dramatic tension where it is required (like the scene when the keys of his workshops are returned, or when Kasuri has a change of heart), but its honesty and persuasiveness are compelling too. Tushar Gandhi (great grandson of the Mahatma) makes an appearance as himself. In spite of all its faults, the last scene, with crowds and ordinary faces at windows and terraces, is immensely moving. It may not be a ‘timepass’ film, but Road to Sangam’s message is important enough to be supported.
Labels: Cinemaah
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